Real Circus Will Not Participate in Michael Jackson Circus

The same day Michael Jackson's funeral is to take place, the Ringling Brothers Circus is planning to be setting up in the same Staples Center for their run which begins the next day. Normally, they'd have the famous elephant parade from the train station to the arena the day before they open. They may have to change plans. One thing for sure, they're not planning to participate in the funeral:

The service will be held between 10am PST and noon PST. The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus will be on standby, literally. The circus act just happens to be in town and is slated to begin their run at the Staples Center from July 8 to July 11.

"We will not be taking part in the memorial service," spokesperson Stephen Payne confirmed. "We are prepared to make any logistical changes with equipment and such to help out."

Do they have a spare monkey that can sit in for Bubbles?